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I Don’t Want To Be A Cougar; I Want A Relationship With A Younger Man!

Firstly, thanks for all your advice and wisdom and your massively entertaining style. I’m learning fast but still have a problem… I’m in my late 40’s, separated last year (relief), successful, and have an awesome life. I’m highly attractive, hot even!, fit, fun, feminine and not clingy. I’m a really good catch!! I have no trouble attracting men of all ages. The problem is: I am not attracted to men my own age. I love guys who are around the 30 year old mark. Yes, playing with fire I know!! Unfortunately, it seems, single guys my own age either cannot match my physical energy and sheer enthusiasm for life or they are taken already! Many of them are lonely, often damaged by failed relationships and looking for someone to share a latte with on a Sunday morning for the next 40 years… This is not what I want at this point in my life.

I find younger guys so much more fun and attracting them is easy, both online and off. But it’s difficult finding something deep and long lasting as I know these guys are usually hard wired to find ‘the one’ eventually. And– in most cases–that is not going to be with a woman who is pretty well past childbearing age… Bummer for me!

So do you think it is possible to have a passionate relationship of integrity (by that I mean more than just a romp) when there is a big age difference? I want more than the cougar/toy boy experience. It would be a cliche to write this off as midlife crisis, although I understand you could reach this conclusion. I am an exceptionally vibrant and youthful person for my age and I have a lot of close younger friends, but I really don’t know where to look to find my truly compatible match… Is he actually out there I wonder??

AM

Dear AM,

Thanks for your letter and kind words. I try to be honest first, entertaining second, and nice third, so I’m glad to hear that I’m coming close to my intended goal.

Especially since my reply is not going to be all that nice.

A 30-year-old guy most likely sees you as a story, a fling, a reverse May-December romance that he will look back upon fondly one day when he tells his younger wife the tale of the oldest woman he ever bedded.

When I hear on the phone “I’m in my late 40’s. People always think I’m younger because I’m so fit and energetic. I’m just not attracted to men my own age or older,” all I can do is smile and nod, the way you do when your friend asks if she looks fat in her jeans.

If every single man you met said, “I look great for my age. Women my age just can’t keep up with me. I need to find a woman who is 15-20 years younger who is really on my wavelength,” you would roll your eyes and wonder aloud what kind of delusional pot he was smoking. You’d think, “Dude, get OVER yourself. I mean, yeah, you have your hair and you’re pretty fit, but you don’t look as young as you think. Plus, what could you POSSIBLY have in common with a woman who could virtually be your daughter?”

Or something like that.

So I’m not judging you when you say that you prefer men 15-20 years younger.

A 30-year-old guy most likely sees you as a story, a fling, a reverse May-December romance that he will look back upon fondly one day when he tells his younger wife the tale of the oldest woman he ever bedded.

The other blind spot you appear to have is the same one that afflicts all of my clients over the age of 40: narcissism and exceptionalism.

If YOU’RE a fit, youthful, vibrant catch, who is an exception to what 48-year-old women should look like and act like, wouldn’t it stand to reason that there’s also a MAN out there who is ALSO a fit, youthful, vibrant, catch who looks young for his age?

To wit: if YOU’RE a fit, youthful, vibrant catch, who is an exception to what 48-year-old women should look like and act like, wouldn’t it stand to reason that there’s also a MAN out there who is ALSO a fit, youthful, vibrant, catch who looks young for his age?

And wouldn’t it be a shame if that man only thought that he should date women born in the 80’s because all women YOUR age are too old, damaged and boring to keep up?

Damn right it would.

So get off your pedestal and look around. If you’re in the Top 5% of women, then you should have no trouble attracting that rare 5% man who is willing to date a woman his own age.

Hold out for a young’un, and guess what, darlin’?

You’re no different than the shallow men we so roundly decry for age discrimination.

Comments:

1

Eve

I’m sure that’s nice advice but it doesn’t answer her question of whether she can find a younger partner for a relationship not just based on sex. The answer is of course yes but there are of course pitfalls-as in any relationship. Don’t dismiss everyone round your own age as past it & don’t dismass all the younger guys as just looking for a shag.

Who writes these questions anyway? Good to have confidence, but so many of these letters claim these women are ‘all that and a bag of chips’. Wonder how this comes off when relating to a man?

This woman isn’t divorced yet, maybe it might be better to slow down and get a grip on where she is in her life. No harm in dating all kinds of men and having fun. People who are newly separated do not make for good mates. Separating and divorcing from a marriage or long term relationship is a process, which requires steps and, if done in a constructive way, important lessons are learned. This is no matter how crappy the relationship was. I must admit I was under the same delusion, that I could just start my new life after my husband I decided we weren’t going to married any longer. Now in hindsight, I can see the changes I went through and where I am today is different from where I was 4 years ago.

I can understand what AM has shared to an extent. I am fortunate in that I have aged gracefully, and I love to do all kinds of fun activities. But while much younger men have taken an interest in me, I won’t allow myself to go there because I know there’s no future and it’s not what I want. Yet the men that are closer to my age who are available either want someone younger or they rarely interest me. Sometimes it’s because of their appearance, but more so because of their life stories and their emotional health, or lack thereof. (And yes, I know. I have life stories, too.) And true to life, the 60 plus crowd shows a lot of interest, too, but I just can’t seem to move beyond the thought of becoming someone’s nurse or wondering how many people they’ve slept with. As a friend recently said, “Well, the 50 year old wants someone 35, and the 65 year old is too old for you.” True. I just keep looking.

Whether you are male or female, an 18-year age difference is pretty big. Most people, regardless of age, want someone who is within 5-10 years of their own age. Why does AM’s partner have to be that much younger? I’m around the same age as the OP, also don’t look or act it, and generally date men who are a few years younger, but 15-20 years seems like a stretch.

If she’s not even divorced yet, it sounds like she isn’t ready for something more serious. It’s hard to believe that she is seriously looking for something “deep and long-lasting” with someone so much younger, especially knowing how hard it would be to find that person in the first place. If 40 years drinking lattes on Sunday sounds too permanent at this point, what’s wrong with a fling? Also, if AM has so many close, younger friends, why not ask them to set her up?

Many of them are lonely, often damaged by failed relationships and looking for someone to share a latte with on a Sunday morning for the next 40 years..

To me, this doesn’t sound like something exclusive to men around the OPs age. When I’ve read online profiles of guys in their 30’s (this is the age group I look in, me being in my late 20s) most of them say or imply that they want sort of companion. And some profiles you can sense a bit of “failed relationships” in those too. So really, I think the mindset of the OP is a little off. This is a universal thing.

Of course the OP has a chance at finding a long lasting good relationship with a younger guy. It’s just that the odds aren’t in her favor if she does that exclusively, which she already seems to know. All you can do is weed out the ones who wants flings faster and open up your dating opens to more quality guys.

Younger guys want to hook up with older women for sex. Relationships aren’t likely. There is the subculture gap between age groups getting in the way. Then there is the issue of whether or not he can handle the way his circle of people will view him being seen with a significantly older partner. Additionally many guys will likely be thinking it is fun for now but in ___ years she will be ___ and he will be only____ and does he really want to be stuck with a person that old when he is ___ and could be with a woman who is ____.

Exceptions do happen, but they are exceptions, not the trend for what happens with most people.

I agree with almost everything Evan said…I do think you need to be open to a range of ages – both older and younger – the focus should be on finding the person who is right for you, not how old they are. It goes without saying that the person who is right for you will be able to keep up with you, regardless of how old he is.
The only thing I disagree with is the comment that if you are in the top 5%, then attracting a mate in the top 5% should be easy. Maybe the attracting is easy, but the finding is not. When you are 26 almost everyone is fit and healthy and fairly attractive. As you get older, there are a lucky few who retain all those characteristics, but they are few and far between. Because they are rare, there is nothing easy about finding them.
But, I see AM’s point. I am a 35 year old female, 105lbs, blonde hair, blue eyes and fairly attractive. I’m no Angelina Jolie, but I don’t scare small children, either. I am complimented frequently on my appearance and I keep myself in shape. (Sorry Evan for being one of your typical responders!) I would prefer a man as close to my own age as possible, but have a hard time finding a single man of that age. Which means I get a lot of offers from younger (average 26) and older (average 50) men. Quite frankly I tend to date the younger ones for reasons similar to AM’s – the older ones I have dated either cannot keep up physically, realize they have waited too long to start a family and want me as a baby factory, or want me as a weekend nanny to their kids from prior marriages. You can say a significantly younger man has an agenda for dating an older woman – but older men also have an agenda for dating significantly younger women. The agendas are just different.
So my suggestion to AM would be twofold: first, give guys your age a chance to prove whether or not they can keep up. If you find one who can, don’t discount him on age alone. Second, try expanding your search geographically if you can. I’ve found I have had more luck finding what I want (my age, no kids) by being willing to look beyond the typical 50 mile search range on most online sites.

This doesn’t answer her question but I have to wonder why there are so many 50 year men and women who really think that they look 30? And as many super fit active baby boomers I see, why do people think that being fit and active makes them so unique? In my fitness classes, I was always the youngest by a good bit. Everyone, including the teachers always seemed to be north of 40 and in amazing shape. Maybe it’s b/c what might come naturally to people has to be worked for more as you age? Orthopedic surgeons are struggling to keep up with older people who want a new knee to do the Iron Man. It’s not just 1 or 2 people who are like that.
A lot of people brag about looking so young online but they are always wrong in my opinion ( say that as a 30 something). My favorite was looking at the picture of someone I’d peg as 45-50 bragging that he knew he looked young b/c until 5 years ago, he was still getting carded at Trader Joes. Yeah, well, my local Trader Joes (and several other stores) had signs that they carded anyone that they thought was 40 or under. So in his case, they had him just right and stopped carding him by his 40th birthday. Getting carded does not mean you look 21. It just is policy in some places that unless you have your grandkids with you, they want to see ID.
I think that the best answer is that she might find a younger man who is willing to forgo having natural children to marry her but just like anyone who is dating out of their age range(or any other “range”), the percentage of people who are willing to do that is going to be small. And she might find someone who will stay married to her until she really starts to look like an old lady.
Seriously, there have to be more fit 45-50 year olds who actually do want a woman their age than 30 somethings who want a 50 year old (although true, many men will try and fail to get younger women), but there are still probably more men in the 40+ crowd who would be willing to go for her. And seriously, why SO young? Lots of men still look GREAT at 40 and are super fit and active.
Anyone who is so convinced that they look so much younger really should spend time in a crowd of people who are really that age. A “young” looking 48 year old will totally stand out in a crowd of 30 year olds, and I don’t care how well you’ve taken care of yourself. Hang out with a bunch of business school students, who are all about 30 and see if anyone really falls for that. If you think you look like a college student, hang out with some undergrads or med or law students, who are usually just a couple of years out. In my business school, the MBAs sometimes crowded into the college bar and the comments you heard were “Why are there so many old guys here tonight?” And they were saying that about a bunch of people who on average were 29-30.
I think that Helen Mirren and Susan Sarandon look smashing and could both pull younger boyfriends but let’s not pretend that they still look 40 either. Why isn’t anyone okay just saying that they are a hot X year old?
I think that anyone’s hot much older partner might find themselves getting dumped when what is left of the bloom finally falls off the rose. Seriously, you are bound to age a lot more between 50 and 60 than your boytoy does between 30 and 40, and since men are so visual, that is bound to matter sooner or later. Many public couples wind up in that situation once the lady is unable to maintain her “hotness.”
What is important to remember is that the advice Evan gives is always reflective of the most likely scenario. You might have beat the odds, but it still makes it the exception and not the rule.

I only read this because… I don’t want to be anyone’s cougar! I have men 15 to 20 years younger contacting me…. Flattered at first glance…I now find it almost unflattering wondering what their motives are….
While many attractive men my own age are looking for 20 years younger…I have to wonder if they have grown enough that I would even want them in my life! Their delusions of grandeur… may make them emotionally unavailable… They may be constantly seeking a thrill…
However slim the pool may be…either direction… I agree with Evan…it is so very worth holding out for that man who may be near our age give or take a few years…who feel youthful in ways we might also feel…and ready to love and enjoy life together….just as we are!

I know of ONE woman who I think NO ONE can keep up with, she’s the only one I’ve known in my whole life. She has to be doing something every minute of every day–even sleeping is not conducive to resting and doing nothing–and I am not exaggerating either. God love her on where she gets this energy, and she’s 54. When my friend and I spend time with her, we want to know when cocktail time is!

For those women that are ‘older’, we have the benefit of wisdom, maturity and have gotten over our sexual/body hangups. No wonder the young men want us! I am at the place in my life where I do not want to teach any man anything in a big picture way–not how to be a man, not how to be a good lover, not how women work (as close as a man is to figuring it out!).

Seriously, there have to be more fit 45-50 year olds who actually do want a woman their age,,,
There are plenty of attractive 45 + men and women out there who would make great partners and seek people their own age. Unfortunately there are too many people who have distorted definitions and perceptions of themselves and cling desperately to their youth. The OP likely enjoys the attention from younger men because she wants to feel young. She convinces herself that these men are genuinely interested in her and what she has to offer. Some are. Most aren’t. Most of the attention from these men is based purely on their desire to have sex with an “older woman” so, as Evan said, they have a story to tell to their bros over beers. By dating someone her age that would be an admission that she is no longer 30. She doesn’t want to face that yet. Which is why, I’ll bet, she takes part in activities that are typically associated with “young” people and has younger friends. It’s not about not being able to relate to people her age. It’s denial and very much a mid-life crisis.

@Andrea #11
I think one of the frequent blunders of online profiles is telling people that you look younger than you are. If it is true, you can let them decide it from your pictures and meeting you. If it is not true, you just look out of touch bringing it up.

I was 44, had just ended a 9-month relationship and was back on the dating scene again. I had Evan help me with my profile and set out to date men around my own age or older. Guess what? They didn’t want me. They wanted someone way younger. Don’t know if it was to have kids with or what, but that was my reality. The men who actively sought me out online, and at my dating service? Were 28-38. I put “no” in my profile in response to the “Do you wish to have children?” question, and every man who was ambivalent about having kids (or actively did not want them) was looking to take me out.

At first, it was a bit disconcerting – but I decided to just go with it. What the heck. My friends teased me about being a cradle robber, and I made my share of cougar jokes. But I found myself having a great time. There are mature and immature men in all age ranges! Dating a 45-year-old doesn’t mean you’ll get a grownup, and dating a 35-year-old doesn’t mean you’ll get a kid.

The man who pursued me with the most enthusiasm was kind of an old soul in a lot of ways. He was on bended knee, proposing, six months after our first date… and he was 33 to my 44. We’ll celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary on January 1, and couldn’t be happier. He’s 39, and I recently turned 50. So what? He would still have been the right guy for me if he were 26, 36, 46 or 56. Age truly is “just a number” under many (though not all) circumstances.

So in answer to the letter writer – yes, it’s more than possible to find a real relationship with a man in his 30s when you’re in your 40s. However, instead of marketing yourself as “young for my age! Really!! Honest!” how about marketing yourself instead as not interested in having kids, in no big hurry to marry again, just looking for companionship and intelligent conversation and an active friendship, and see what happens?

My husband had plenty of opportunities to date hot women younger than himself, but he didn’t want to because in that age range he found they were DESPERATE to get married and have babies right this second! It would make him run for the hills. He told me when we were dating: “I brag to all my friends about you. You’re the first woman it was ever totally my idea to be with and pursue. You don’t need a man, but you choose to be with me. You don’t need to be supported emotionally or financially. Plus, you don’t want kids and neither do I.” All those things were huge to him, and we clicked accordingly. I’m a catch despite my average looks – bright, accomplished, and easy to be with – but instead of chasing after the men I thought I wanted, I put myself out there and let the men who wanted ME gather. It was pleasantly surprising who did. And I just picked.

AM asked: (original post)“So do you think it is possible to have a passionate relationship of integrity (by that I mean more than just a romp) when there is a big age difference?”

My girlfriend is 16 years older than me. We’ve been dating for 16 months, and we both see this as the beginning of a permanent relationship.

A few years earlier, I dated a woman 11 years younger than me. Our relationship ended because she wanted lots of kids, and I wanted none. If it wasn’t for that, we might still be together.

It is possible.

AM said: (original post)“I am not attracted to men my own age. I love guys who are around the 30 year old mark. […] single guys my own age either cannot match my physical energy and sheer enthusiasm for life”

I’m with Evan. You need to get over yourself.

Your physical energy level can’t be as high as you believe. If it was, even the 30 year olds wouldn’t be keeping up with you either.

I’ve dated women 11 years younger, 16 years older, and every age in between. None of them have kept up with me. If I added “comparable energy level” to my more important criteria, I would be dateless. (The ex-girlfriend who came closest to my energy level was 9 years older than me.)

Instead, I date women who can keep up with me much of the time, and don’t mind that I’m out staying busy when they need a break.

There are women out there who meet or exceed my energy level, but few enough that I’d need to solely choose dates based on that quality if I wanted to date them regularly. It’s just not that important to me. I’d rather be with someone who is fun, unconditionally accepting, sweet, etc.

Firstly thanks Evan for your honest, as always, response. Of course I knew you would say all that…but narcissism and exceptionalism..? Judgmental words.. maybe an ounce of truth..but I think the barriers are down these days and age demographics are blurred. It doesn’t have to be the reflection of a major personality disorder!
Secondly Denise, I wrote my own question without a single edit from Evan. And I don’t need to sell myself to younger guys, I’m just very comfortable in my own skin and with my sexuality and they happen to find me attractive. And there are a lot of younger men who actually prefer the company of older women both emotionally and sexually. I have been living apart from my husband for 18 months now and both he and I have strived very hard to maintain our friendship and our business. Not for you to assume it wasn’t done constructively or that important (and painful) lessons haven’t been learned. I have a very positive and centered grip on my life, thank you anyway! And I don’t have an inflated ego, nor do I think for a minute that I look 30! It’s not so much about physical age as mentality and energy.

Steve, Evan does mean that, but I’m afraid there are people out here who don’t fit the norm and that’s without trying too hard. Of course I wish I could find my equal and opposite in my own age group! And I am open to that, but frankly any guy that hot and together, of my own age, is probably going to be the property of some grateful wife! OR he will be hotly pursued by many women and doesn’t need to go online. In addition to that, I’m a performer in the world of music theatre which is the gayest community on this planet!! (beautiful though they may be..!) It is virtually impossible to meet a straight single man at work..(my gorgeous younger female colleagues will attest to this). And yes of course younger men are looking for sex. So am I! But with some depth and commitment even if it’s not sharing sub-cultures all the time, (if ever).

Thank you Diana, Eve and Donna for ‘getting’ it. And Ruby- you are right, I’m probably not up for another ‘marriage’ yet. Bren – It’s hard to hold out (for years?) for the absolutely ideal man when you need to express yourself sexually.

And yet, since writing that letter I have been involved with a beautiful man, who is 20 years younger and with whom I have a rather special relationship. Realistically it’s not going to last forever, I know that. And I know that I am aging faster than him at this stage…tricky..(but fun, and meaningful all the same!). Meanwhile, I’m still hoping that the ‘right’ man will show up…which gets back to my original question..where is he? Because (so far) he ain’t online.

Actually, AM, while BeenThruTheWars is a favorite and a friend, she’s only “a gem” because told you want you want to hear. Truth is, not only are most 30 year olds not interested in women in their late 40’s, but they’re not good relationship bets because they’re immature, building their careers, and have lots more oats to sow. The exceptions do not disprove the rule. Proceed at your own risk.

Of course you are right but you still haven’t answered my question..a really amazing hot successful man, who’s my age and not desperate/lonely/unhappy/inexperienced with women/in need of a child minder/in need of a movie companion.. is not, in my experience online. So where is he to be found..?

AM, I think that everyone “gets” it. The point is that it seems that in the dating world, the most likely scenario is that likes attract likes(unlike magnets). Anyone who exclusively chases after something that they are not is going to have a harder time of it. Truthfully, anyone who is an outlier will have a harder time of it. Do you exclude men your age from your search? Or do they just fail to approach you online or respond if you write to them? That makes a difference.
I think that based on what you are looking for, you need to keep all doors open. Too bad Evan can’t match you up with one of those male clients who insists that he’s too young for women his own age!
To me, that’s the part that sounds a bit over the top. I don’t care how energetic you are, there are some SERIOUS differences in how people socialize at different times of life. Maybe you are meeting more mature 30 years olds, but as I mentioned, having just left a graduate program populated by mostly 30 year olds, I can’t imagine anyone who is 50 being into that or being able to hang in that way. To me, “keeping up” means so much more than physical activity or sex. As I mentioned, I’ve seen many people your age who could run circles around people 10-15 years younger, but it would just seem that some aspects of socializing would be a bit odd and they just wouldn’t fit in.
I think you can find what you want, but it’s not going to ever be like it would be if you were 25 looking for a 30 year old, or 30 looking for a 30 year old. A hot 50 year old isn’t going to get as many responses, either from men your own age, or from men who are loads younger as you would have gotten 20 years ago. You are looking for a veritable needle in the haystack, so who knows if that will happen quickly or slowly. I guess what I and maybe some other people don’t get is that you sound surprised that it hasn’t happened easily. How could it, when so many men will list cut off ages as being their own minus 10 years, a 10 year range that is 5 years YOUNGER than their current age, or perhaps a year or two older but 10-15 years younger? What do you have listed? B/c I totally judge men who are 40 who will list 21-39 as their preferred range(b/c if you are doing it b/c you want kids, I find it presumptuous that you’d expect someone to be okay being your broodmare), and secretly give points to people who at least put themselves in the middle of their stated range.
As your profile is basically your own personal marketing brochure, I think that if you are only listing really young men then your profile can’t help but scream COUGAR. So at least list men your own age so that isn’t how you are marketing yourself. I think all of the talk about being comfortable with your sexuality also comes across as cougar, which doesn’t sound like what you want based on your letter. (Have you seen the SNL skit Cougar Den-a good tool to show you exactly what not to do and say if you want to be taking seriously by younger suitors; it is parody but there is clearly some truth to it).
My advice to anyone who is older who wants more than a roll in the hay with someone older. Don’t brag about how hip, young, energetic, or good in bed you are. B/c people who are really that age are easily hipper, more energetic (for partying at least), really are younger, and I think most people figure things out during their 20’s and 30’s and don’t need to turn to someone 20 years older to be satisfied.
I do think that there is something about wanting to live vicariously through someone else’s youth as you move further away from your own. I think it might be why a lot of 30 something women ignoring messages from younger 20 somethings. I mean seriously, do just the 40 and 50 somethings think that they are the only ones being virtually hit on by young guys? My guess is that they try and get largely ignored by the 30 somethings(although I think newly divorced, long married women might go for them). No one has ever said anything inappropriate, but something about the messages always makes me think that they believe older women are freaks.
I’ve been “approached” by young to mid 20 somethings, and I’m in my 30’s and think no way. I guess I’m just not old enough to feel that men my own age lack vigor or stamina(and they are plenty attractive and seem to finally be grown up men), nor do I need any of the “youthful energy” that these young guys have, or expect to find a 25 year old who has the maturity of a man 10 years older(b/c again, the 30-40 year old wrappers look just fine). It sounds like you want a 50 year old in a 30 year old wrapping.
So enjoy your “special” time with your young friend and I hope you find what you are looking for, hopefully in a man closer to your age who won’t get bored and move on.

If you read more letters coming into Evan that he’s kind enough to answer, there is a similar theme. “I’m the best thing since sliced bread, what’s wrong with everyone else?”

As I said in my post, it’s great to be confident, IMO, this type of language I see over and over isn’t confidence.

I don’t see where I said you said you looked like you were 30.
it seems, single guys my own age either cannot match my physical energy and sheer enthusiasm for life or they are taken already! Many of them are lonely, often damaged by failed relationships and looking for someone to share a latte with on a Sunday morning for the next 40 years

Big assumption here about a lot of men, although I can definitely identify with the ‘taken already’ point.

But it’s difficult finding something deep and long lasting as I know these guys are usually hard wired to find ‘the one’ eventually

Okay, so if you’re separated from your husband and you’re looking to have fun and date around (which is what I said in my post), then go for any man to learn and have fun. But your original post said you’re looking for something ‘deep and long lasting’? Not sure which it is then.

I have been living apart from my husband for 18 months now and both he and I have strived very hard to maintain our friendship and our business. Not for you to assume it wasn’t done constructively or that important (and painful) lessons haven’t been learned. I have a very positive and centered grip on my life

Ditto. Been down that path, and it feels like you’re a little defensive. We’re probably similar personality types–I didn’t mean in any way to say you were a basket case in a corner or being a nutcase either. In regard to ‘constructive’–I was referring to the process of becoming a single person again as a process, as opposed to going from a marriage to a heavy relationship, without that grieving and exploratory time. The reality is a separated person been part of a ‘committed’ couple for X amount of time. Both people shared a life together, witnessed each other’s life, built a future together, probably have friends together, routines, rituals, spend time with family–all or some of these things. It takes time to find out who you are as your own person again (the generic you by the way, not you specifically). To create your own life as a single woman (not separated, but divorced and no longer married). Sorry you took offense to me expressing what my learning experience has been. I separated in my early 40’s after a 15 year marriage and two kids–I don’t think I’m that unique. The details are different, but the underlying experiences of all people who are going through a divorce are similar-In my Opinion of course.

And before you think I’m different because I couldn’t or don’t attract men, I have dated a lot since my separation and divorce. I’ve met men on line, I’ve met men organically. I’ve had a couple of longer term relationships (both I learned a ton from), I’ve had friends with benefits relationships. I specifically stay away from younger men because of what I already mentioned; that’s my PREFERENCE though.

Who the heck knows where life will take us and who we will find attractive at a particular time in life? Like the examples above, often times, significant age differences aren’t a factor. I agree with Evan though since that seems to sound more like reality. Frankly, these may be the types of ‘relationships’ that fit your life at this point in time (no real committment, he’s not going to ‘fall hard’ more than likely, etc.), maybe that’s why you are attracted to younger men? Sounds like a good deal for now, if you can keep your emotional wits about you.

@AM – The men you’re looking for are online. You’re either not attracting them or not giving them a chance because of your prejudices. If you’re serious about making online dating into a more fruitful endeavor, please try Finding the One Online. It will make a difference for you, guaranteed.

AM, call me dense, but I just don’t see what your question is. You say you really are “a catch” and quite above the norm in terms of hotness and energy. Younger men are attracted to you and you like to hang with them because they can match you in zest for life and physical prowess. Where’s the problem?
Ohhhhhhh, they’re not interested in anything more in depth or long-lasting? You wish you could have the younger 6-pack, ambitious dude who is also wise, committed, cultured, and devoted? Maybe even mature?
You, me, and about a billion other smart, sexy, intelligent women. Sadly, though, most of us have to settle for men a tad less ideal. Sometimes they even turn out to be decent mates, because they share a mutual history with us…for instance, they remember when phones had a cord and Neil Young was….young. Yes, I know I’m dating myself, but I assure you, in my age group I am just as unique and wonderful as you are. And so are a whole bunch of other women.
We are all flattered when younger men pursue us. It’s just that some of us realize it means two things: you’re holding up well and they’re horny. Stimulating, energetic men your age are out there. Consider the possibility that either you can’t get past what you see as physical deficits in order to get to know them better, or you are putting them off with your superior attitude and sense of entitlement.

Evan,
I usually agree with everything you say, but as a Cougar Expert I obviously don’t agree on this one. There are plenty of guys in their 20s and 30s on my Facebook & Twitter pages who have absolutely no interest in ever dating women their age or younger. They are not interested in the drama and want someone more mature, so they have no problem dating women 10-15 years older.
Although for some men it may just be about sex, I hear from “Cougar couples” all over the world who are in serious relationships and are very happy.
Just because it may not be the norm, doesn’t mean it can’t work. The dating/relationship landscape is changing. Attraction doesn’t have an age limit.

Lucia 25
I agree with you based on my last 6 years of being single and dating.
I didnt have children and Im often targeted by younger men who are certain they dont want children or to be pressured about it. They also seem interested in a woman who is more secure and interesting from a lifetime of experiences.
Also Anthropolgist Helen Fisher PHD makes a compelling case for a growing trend of younger men /older women .
Men of older generations, above 50 are from an era where they felt entitled to younger women. Younger generations of men dont seem as ageist
I do love Evan s advice about looking for someone my age like me but I havent found that yet

IMHO, AM – needs some compassion – not our judgment. She is actually asking for permission because she is confused – but although she wants to elicit a response to her logical “reasons” for considering this type of relationship–her gut knows that although a fling with a 30 yr old man may be tempting – inherently it poses too much risk of loss to be a healthy choice for her. And, I venture that it is a way to avoid what she really needs at this time in her life.

She does not need a fling with a 30 year old man with it’s inherent pitfalls of embarrassment and eventual loss, (Las Vegas odds; a sucker’s bet.) I would rather see her decide to enter into some type of therapy; guided (or not) and/or spiritual self discovery, at this time.

Just posing the question here indicates to me that she is seeking direction. Asking and seeking before taking action seems to me to be a good thing.

Evan I really like your blog and usually your advice – but in this case – Criticizing AM for being shallow does not really help.

AM#18 wroteFirstly thanks Evan for your honest, as always, response. Of course I knew you would say all that…but narcissism and exceptionalism..? Judgmental words.. maybe an ounce of truth..but I think the barriers are down these days and age demographics are blurred. It doesn’t have to be the reflection of a major personality disorder!

I have a friend who has been a shrink for about 30 years. She isn’t allowed to use the “N word” around me. No, not THAT “N word”. She isn’t allowed to use the word “narcissist”. After 30 years of helping people she is convinced that there is an epidemic of narcissism in the U.S.. LOL, every other person gets labeled as a “narcissist!” with her in a conversation without our special rule.

Narcissism the neurosis that is. Apparently in addition to the personality disorder there is a neurosis by the same name. Psychology is pretty sloppy about defining terms. I’ve Googled around trying to get a sense of what it means. It is not just a synonym for an ego manic. One of the more interesting definitions is that it means someone who thinks they are an exception to the rules for how reality works. Like they are the lottery ticket winner Evan mentions among his clients who think they will find a 20 something guy who is good looking, intelligent, 100% put together and who is interested in an LTR with a middleaged woman when he has many other options. No disrespect meant AM. I have my things too.

You can see this type of narcissism reflected in popular movies. The smart ass who goofs for years, insults people, yet still becomes a success by the end of the movie because there is something special about him, just for being him, that enables him to transcend the rules everyone else has to work with.

Not to put another straw into your camel’s sack, but you wrote that you work in the entertainment industry. I know that tends not to be a 9 – 5 job and that it has its own subculture. Would the guy for you also have to be a performer? Could you relate to a guy who works an ordinary job and/or find him interesting? Are there conflicts between non-performing partners and performing partners?

Evan Marc Katz# 20Actually, AM, while BeenThruTheWars is a favorite and a friend, she’s only “a gem” because told you want you want to hear.

AM in addition to Evan’s point of BTTW having won the lottery, her lucky exception to the rule may be even less evidence that there is a such a lucky exception waiting for you ( as another single person I hope you find fim ). BTTW’s man is an exception that is rare enough. With your laundry list of must haves and must-not haves such a rare exception as BTTW’s guy might not have been suitable for you either. My god, he could have been a well put together guy who works an ordinary job and who likes to go to movies in his spare time!

No offense meant, I hope you find your knight in shining armour.

Evan isn’t going to tell you how, because he doesn’t believe there is a “how” for generating anomalies.

Maybe you can start your search by asking yourself, if you were such a man, where would you be and what would you be doing?

@Andrea post #22
You wrote an interesting post, I’m glad I suppressed my “wall of text phobia” and read it. At your age younger men aren’t “men”, most of them are still boys. I 100% agree with your point that the age groups socialize differently and that “group jumpers” have a harder time fitting in. I’ve felt that divide when I’ve dated women in their late 20s.

I also thought your advice to AM to look at her profile for cross purpose messages was insightful. Particularly the bit about not listing how she is comfortable with her sexuality. I would have found that odd reading it too. I’ve had my sexuality since I’ve been about 12 so I would find such a statement from someone in their 40s to be a bit odd, unless they just came out as gay.

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